By Andi Anderson
Raising healthy livestock is one of the most important responsibilities for any farm, whether it is a small homestead or a larger operation. Good animal health begins with strong management practices, thoughtful planning and careful daily decisions.
To support farmers across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Michigan State University Extension has created new training opportunities and educational resources focused on protecting livestock through practical biosecurity measures.
Biosecurity plays a major role in keeping animals safe. These practices help limit the introduction and spread of diseases that can reduce productivity, harm animal well‑being and affect a farm’s long‑term sustainability.
This is especially important during outbreaks of illnesses such as avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis and other livestock diseases that have affected farms across the region. Visitors, family members, veterinarians, feed suppliers and customers can all influence biosecurity on a farm, making awareness and education essential.
To help livestock owners strengthen their practices, MSU Extension and the Center for Regional Food Systems have developed a series of new training sessions designed for farmers, service providers and agricultural professionals in the Upper Peninsula. These sessions will share simple, practical strategies that farms of any size can use immediately to improve animal health.
Two training events are scheduled:
Healthy Animals, Strong Farms – Marquette County
May 5, 2026, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
184 US‑41, Negaunee, MI
Healthy Animals, Strong Farms – Mackinac County
May 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
St. Ignace Public Library, 110 W. Spruce St., St. Ignace, MI
Both events are free and include door prizes and giveaways.
MSU Extension has also launched a new “Protecting Animal Health through Biosecurity” website. The site offers videos, articles and printable guides covering disease prevention, livestock care and preparing farms for visitors. Farmers can also download farm signage to help communicate biosecurity rules to employees and guests.
These resources are designed not only for farmers, but also for veterinarians, lenders, inspectors, conservation partners, feed suppliers and anyone who works with livestock operations. Strong animal health benefits individual farms, surrounding rural communities and the broader agricultural system.
By attending these trainings and using the new tools, Upper Peninsula farmers can build healthier, more resilient and more productive livestock operations for the future.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, Livestock